codes of femininity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "codes of femininity" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a set of standards of behavior and attitudes deemed appropriate for women in a particular society or culture. Example sentence: Some people believe that traditional codes of femininity limit women's freedom of expression.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The classic, romantic codes of femininity are my tools.

The New York Times

Atwood's early years in the forest endowed her with a sense of self-determination, and with a critical distance on codes of femininity — an ability to see those codes as cultural practices worthy of investigation, not as necessary conditions to be accepted unthinkingly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The rest of her costume was governed by numerous codes of proper femininity -- as was the rest of her life.

The New York Times - Books

Be feminine, stay and know the power of femininity.

WikiHow

She received a "certificate of femininity".

The New York Times - Sports

The fabrication of femininity was the story.

The Guardian - Arts

She calls them "a pathologization of femininity".

The New York Times - Style

A reminder, lest you forget, of femininity?

The New York Times

Why not reclaim cultural ideas of femininity and control them?

Independent

Mr. Zanini can't resist that gust of femininity.

The New York Times

The spring 2011 collection had a voluptuous sense of femininity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "codes of femininity" when discussing societal expectations and standards related to women's behavior and appearance, particularly in contexts that explore cultural or historical norms.

Common error

Avoid using "codes of femininity" to describe individual preferences or expressions of femininity. The phrase refers to broader societal expectations, not personal choices. For example, saying "Her code of femininity includes wearing bright colors" is incorrect because it conflates societal norms with individual style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "codes of femininity" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, it references the socially constructed rules and expectations surrounding feminine behavior and appearance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "codes of femininity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to discuss the social constructs and expectations related to feminine behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for analytical and critical discussions about gender norms, often found in News & Media, Science, and academic contexts. While examples are relatively rare, its usage is consistent across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, remember that it refers to societal expectations rather than individual preferences. Alternatives such as "feminine norms" or "gendered expectations for women" can provide nuanced perspectives. Always consider the cultural and historical context when exploring this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feminine norms

Focuses on the established standards of feminine behavior.

gendered expectations for women

Emphasizes societal expectations specifically based on gender.

social constructs of womanhood

Highlights the socially built nature of what it means to be a woman.

stereotypes of femininity

Refers to oversimplified and often inaccurate beliefs about women.

cultural ideals of femininity

Addresses the ideals shaped by a specific culture.

prescribed feminine roles

Emphasizes the roles that are dictated or expected.

traditional female roles

Highlights conventional roles historically associated with women.

conventional standards of femininity

Focuses on what's commonly accepted as feminine.

expectations for female behavior

Highlights behaviors expected of women in a given context.

gender roles for women

Focuses on roles assigned based on gender.

FAQs

How can "codes of femininity" be used in a sentence?

You can use "codes of femininity" to discuss societal expectations and norms related to women, such as, "The novel explores how women navigate the restrictive "codes of femininity" in Victorian England".

What are some related terms to "codes of femininity"?

Related terms include "feminine norms", "gendered expectations for women", and "stereotypes of femininity". Each term carries slightly different connotations, so consider the context carefully.

How do "codes of femininity" differ from individual expressions of femininity?

"Codes of femininity" refer to societal expectations, while individual expressions are personal choices. One might challenge or subvert these "codes of femininity" through their personal style.

Are "codes of femininity" universal, or do they vary by culture?

"Codes of femininity" are not universal; they vary significantly by culture and historical period. What is considered feminine in one society may not be in another, reflecting different cultural values and social structures.